New and Exciting in October
October is winding to a close, and because all you’ll be thinking about next week is Halloween, here’s our round-up of some of our favorite new books from this month.
Emi and the Rhino Scientist by Mary Kay Carson with photographs by Tom Uhlman is the latest installment in the Scientists in the Field series, which features photo-filled books on topics ranging from tarantulas to the woods. These fascinating (and, yes, educational) books can be used from upper elementary school on up. The Rhino Scientist is Terri Roth, and Emi is a rare Sumatra rhino. Sumatra rhinos are smaller with stubbier horns than the image I had in my head of “rhino.” This book chronicles Terri’s years-long struggle to help Emi become a mother. I’m giving away the ending by telling you that Terri and Emi are successful, with Emi becoming the first Sumatran rhino to give birth in captivity in over a century. However, you’ll have to read the book yourself to see the amazingly cute pictures of the new rhino calf!
Melanie Watts became a Tandem favorite with her book Scaredy Squirrel. Her new character--a big, wily, opinionated cat named Chester--is giving Scaredy Squirrel a run for his money. OK, we admit it, we’re suckers for books about books. Chester begins as the story of a mouse, but then Chester, the cat, takes over with a fat red marker, sending the mouse on vacation and turning the dog vegetarian. This hilarious picture book even features a red-marker dotted circle on the cover, with text noting “Place My Award Here.” Chester is nothing if not confident!
I was fortunate enough to see the “Newberyettes”--Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo, and Katherine Paterson--perform a short selection from Sharon Creech’s newest title, The Castle Corona, at the Newbery Reader's Theater in St. Paul two weeks ago. Kate DiCamillo made an excellent King Guido! King Guido rules over a very small feudal kingdom from the Castle Corona. The kingdom, and therefore Guido’s life, usually run very smoothly, but now there is a thief in the kingdom. He has stolen a pouch which two peasant children find. These peasant children, Pia and Enzio, discover that the contents of the pouch have the power to change their lives completely. David Diaz has provided gorgeous illustrations throughout this original fairy tale for older elementary school students and fairy tale lovers of all ages.
